“What about Wyatt? I can’t just leave him short-staffed.”
“Don’t worry about this place.” She waved her hand. “We’ll manage.”
“And my parents—“
“Are awful people who have always treated you like a mistake and a regret instead of a human.”
My throat was tight with the air I couldn’t inhale fully, heart like a war drum under my ribs. “I can’t… I can’t do this. I—“
“Yes, you can. He has a car. He’s gorgeous, in case you didn’t notice. And he’s a free ticket to the place you’ve always wanted to go. Cooper,” she said my name to call my attention back to her, hands on my arms again as she leveled her face with mine. “You are dying in this town. Not your body, but your soul.” Her eyes pleaded with mine like she knew from experience. “Life isn’t supposed to be safe,” she added with a laugh. “If it was, they wouldn’t call it living. They’d just call it existing. And you’ve existed long enough, baby girl. It’s time to live.”
My eyes darted back and forth between hers, brain warring with my soul.
Be safe.
Take a chance.
This is crazy.
This could be fun.
You could die.
You could finally live.
You don’t even know him.
You want to.
Leaving Alabama is scary.
Leaving Alabama is what you’ve always wanted.
Tammy leaned in even closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Your worthless parents are going to suck you dry if you stay. Don’t let them. This is it, Cooper. This is life calling.” She shrugged. “Are you going to answer, or just let it ring?”
I think I went blind in those next few moments, because I hardly recall rounding the edge of the bar. I barely remember the feel of my heart in my throat and the sun on my face as I pushed through the front door just as he started backing out of the spot where he’d parked his convertible.
“Wait!” I called, the sound of my own voice breaking through the haze.
He stopped, sunglasses reflecting the front of the diner I never thought I’d leave as I struggled to catch my breath.
“I just need to grab my stuff.”
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